How to look after your garden in the summer months
If you’re passionate about your garden, here’s what you should be doing to make the most of your outdoor space this summer and to ensure its longevity.
Image: Wentworth Wooden Puzzles
There’s still time to inject some colour into your garden this summer.
We spoke to Dobbies Garden Centres who gave us a summer gardening action plan to make the most of our outdoor space.
1. When to water
Image: Pixabay
Make sure you water your plants at the right time with the correct amount. Early morning or evening is the best time to water your garden, which avoids the hottest part of the day and will allow your plant roots to take all of the nutrients that they need. As a general rule of thumb, watering your garden plants twice a week with two inches of water (so a good drenching) should work a treat.
2. Pretty pruning
Image: Pixabay
One of the key components of giving your garden and flower borders longevity is reguarly dead-heading them, particuarly for dahlias, roses and perennials. Ensuring that you do this will mean your garden will flourish until the autumn.
3. Give your lawn some TLC
Image: Pixabay
If your lawn is looking brown and patchy try not to worry too much as when the rain returns, it will have time to recover. Mow your lawn reguarly throughout the summer to ensure a healthy lawn. Keeping the blades slightly higher will help the grass resist the extra summer wear from garden games and stay at home gatherings.
4. Allow for shade
Image: Dobbies Garden Centres
Don’t forget about your potted plants! Just as you wouldn’t want to sit in the sun without any protection, potted plants will be much happier in a shady spot during peak heat. Consider putting your plants in saucers of water if it gets super hot!
5. Homegrown produce
Image: Pixabay
When it comes to your homegrown veggies and herbs, throughout the summer months, water tomato plants consistently and regularly. Pinch our side-shoots of tomatoes to concentrate growing energy into trusses of fruit.
In August, cut back herbs, chives, mint and parsley that are looking tired. This will encourage fresh new growth for a continued supply of leaves for dining al fresco. Spinach, radishes, lettuce, beetroot and salad produce are all fast growing and can be sown for an extended season of fresh vegetables.
Have you been spending lots of time in your garden? Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page.